There are many positive aspects that make online courses and degrees both
appealing and beneficial. Online courses offer freedom. Individuals have the
chance to take courses without having to trudge to class three times a week. It
also allows students the opportunity to work towards their degree and maintain
a life outside of the classroom, whether taking care of family, working
full-time, or just enjoying the college experience. Once, the only way for a
working adult to attend school was to go to night school and wear themselves
thin. With technology provided by online courses, that is in the past. The
flexibility of online courses allows students to live their lives without
disruption and work towards a degree at the same time.
Online courses also offer the opportunity to excel as a student. Since the
lecture materials appear online in text form and are accessible 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, students can more easily review the concepts and principles
needed to succeed. Unlike traditional classroom students, online students have
time to think critically about lectures and discussions instead of being
pressured to answer a professor’s question before they are ready. Online
courses are especially helpful to students who are timid or shy or fear
speaking in front of a class. This also benefits individuals with learning
problems and behavior disorders, such as ADD, dyslexia, or Asperger Syndrome.
What are the Disadvantages of Online Education?
It is estimated that the average student spends three hours per course
credit per week on coursework. One enrolled in a traditional three credit
course can expect to spend nine hours each week on that course. Add a full
course load, and the time spent on education quickly equals that of a full-time
job. Some students who take both online and traditional courses believe online
courses are much harder work. Since there are no lectures to attend, learning
is dependent on reading textbook and text lectures. In essence, students teach
themselves with a professor serving merely as their guide. For those who have
difficulty staying on task, an online education might not work well.
A common complaint from students enrolled only in online courses is the lack
of face-to-face interaction with peers. Although online students interact in
the online discussion forums and on message boards, the face-to-face
interaction is something some students miss. If you are one of those, online
courses may not be best for you.